Feeding of toner

ABSTRACT

Device and method for feeding of toner powder to a manifold apparatus ( 1 ) comprising at least one toner container ( 2 ), which device ( 3 ) comprises at least one receptacle ( 4 ) for toner powder, a feeding device ( 5 ) and a delivery conduit ( 6 ) in communication with the receptacle ( 4 ). The invention is characterized in that the feeding device ( 5 ) is mechanical and that the delivery conduit ( 6 ) intended to be connected to the toner container ( 2 ) of the manifold apparatus ( 1 ), which toner container ( 2 ) is of optional design.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

The present invention concerns feeding of colour powder, so calledtoner, by way of a conveying screw from an external receptacle to atoner cartridge existing in a manifold apparatus. The invention achievesa universal use with different types of apparatuses and exercises smallinfluence on existing equipment.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Today there are a lot of different machines for different types oftranscription, for example fax machines, printers and copying machines.In the following description the word “manifold apparatus” will be usedfor these types of machines. It should be understood that all types ofmachines with a toner are embraced with this word.

In such apparatus there is a container with the toner that constitutesthe print on the sheet of paper. Generally, this container is a lightnon-permeable cartridge of plastics, which is exchanged for a filled onewhen the toner has run out. The amount of toner in such cartridge isrelatively limited, which means that change of cartridges in apparatusesserving several users must be performed relatively often.

Different types of apparatuses, apparatuses of different manufacture andapparatuses of different models by the same manufacturer demands tonercartridges of different types specially adapted for respectiveapparatus. This causes that an office must have apparatus specificcontainers in stock, which of course takes up a great deal of space andlocks capital.

Furthermore, there is also a certain problem to handle the emptycontainers, since these in some cases are to be sent back to themanufacturer for refilling. A problem with this procedure is that manyusers think that is it too work demanding and therefore throws the usedcartridge in the garbage, which results in negative environmentalinfluence since the cartridge consists of plastics and contains aremainder of toner.

One way to solve a least the problem with limited amount of toner, is touse a larger container or a so called “transport tank”.

The document U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,294 describes a device for feeding oftoner to a printer or the like, which contains a toner box which in turnhas two reservoirs for toner. A delivery line is connected to eachreservoir, which lines are connected to toner transport containers. Anextraction channel is connected to the toner box and ensures anunderpressure in the box. By way of opening and closing valves, theunderpressure transports the toner from the transport containers to thetoner reservoirs. Level sensors detect the level of toner in the tonerreservoirs to ensure that the toner levels in the toner reservoirs arenot too low.

Thus, the document describes a container connection to toner cartridgesin an apparatus, where each container contains a certain colour. Thereason for this is that one wants to ensure that relatively largeamounts of toner are accessible for different printing operations, whereone printing operation might call for more toner of a certain colourthan a subsequent operation. To feed the toner, underpressure is used byway of a blower, and arranged in an outlet from the cartridges.Therefore, the cartridges have to be modified so that they can beattached to the toner feeding hoses, and so that the air can circulatethrough the toner cartridges. If a leakage would arise somewhere alongthe transport path of the toner, the current of air would make itpossible for the toner to spread inside the apparatus and thesurrounding room.

This solution is therefore not generally applicable to any apparatus,since large operations have to be done in the apparatus. Moreover, thesystem will probably have to be adjusted and trimmed to prevent tonerfrom flowing out through the air outlet and/or through other openings inthe cartridges or in the apparatus, which otherwise cause'senvironmental problems. This also tells against applying this solutionon any apparatus.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,956 also describes a similar solution for transportof toner from a transport container to a toner reservoir by way of aflexible line by way of underpressure created by a fan. Likewise; theproblems according to the above can arise with toner flying about duringa possible leakage. In addition a filter is arranged in the reservoir toprevent that the toner is sucked out through the air outlet. In thiscase, the reservoirs have to be modified so that the arrangement willwork without environmental problems, which also tells against a moregeneral solution.

From the documents that have come to hand, it can be seen that feedingof toner from larger transport containers to a copying machine orprinter is known as such. None of the documents indicates expresslyclearly that the transport containers are arranged outside theapparatus.

Nevertheless, none of the documents describes a, in an uncomplicatedway, generally applicable solution for all types of apparatuses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present invention intends so solve the above mentioned drawbacks bya device according to the patent claim 1, wherein a receptacle isconnected to an optional toner container by way of a delivery conduitwith mechanical feeding of toner from the receptacle of the device tothe toner container.

By using a device according to the invention, one can in a simple andenvironment friendly way get away from apparatus specific tonerpackages. This problem is solved by an external, closed receptacle withtoner, containing a larger amount than the cartridge itself, a conveyingscrew connected to the receptacle, as well as a delivery conduitconnected to the conveying screw. The delivery conduit is furtherarranged with a sealing connection means to the toner cartridge of theapparatus. In this way, a closed system is achieved where no toner canleak out, at the same time as a minimal operation has to be done in theapparatus to connect the external receptacle. The above mentionedproblem with dispersion of toner because of the air current used fortransport is not found in the present invention.

Since the filling of toner is continuous, the loss that otherwise occurswith the conventional method is avoided. When a usual toner cartridge isexchanged, there is always a certain amount of unused toner left in thecartridge. By using a solution according to the invention, where thecartridge is replenished, this loss is minimised.

When using mechanic feeding of toner from a separate receptacle as inthe present invention, the amount of toner flying about in the apparatuswill not be as large as in for example the devices in the documentsabove, wherein the feeding is processed by way of air. The closedmechanic feeding system according to the invention also prevents tonerfrom flying about in the air outside of the apparatus, and decreases therisk for toner flying about at a possible leakage. Inhalation of largeamounts of toner can be dangerous.

A further advantage with the present invention is that future manifoldapparatuses can be prepared for an installation of the presentinvention, i.e. that they are arranged with space to hold this, whichcauses less damage to the manifold apparatus.

Another advantage is that toner cartridges are prepared for connectionof the present invention, i.e. that they already have a blind connectionfor the delivery conduit, as for example a piece of conduit or a screwtap which with a simple tool can be opened or removed so that a passageinto the toner cartridge is achieved.

The invention provides for a device for feeding of toner powder to amanifold apparatus with a toner container, which device comprises atleast one receptacle for toner powder, a feeding device in communicationwith the receptacle, and a delivery conduit. According to one aspect,the invention is characterized in that the feeding device is mechanicaland that the delivery conduit is intended to be connected to the tonercontainer of the manifold apparatus, which toner container is ofoptional design. According to another aspect, the invention ischaracterised in that the delivery conduit is intended to be connectedto a communication path into the toner container, which communicationpath is opened in connection with an initial connection of the device tothe manifold apparatus.

These and other aspects of, as well as advantages with the presentinvention will be evident from the detailed description and the encloseddrawings.

SHORT DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of the present invention reference will bemade to the enclosed drawings, wherein

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a connection of a device according to theinvention to a manifold apparatus,

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein a hose is connectedto the receptacle for filling of toner into the receptacle,

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein a bottle isconnected to the receptacle,

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention where in a largerreceptacle/drum is connected to the receptacle,

FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of the invention to fill the powderinto the receptacle,

FIG. 6 shows an alternative feeding device,

FIG. 7 shows another alternative feeding device, and

FIG. 8 shows a third alternative feeding device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a manifold apparatus (1) comprising a tonercontainer/cartridge (2) of optional design, and a device (3) accordingto the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a device (3) comprising a receptacle (4) for toner and afeeding device (5) connected to this receptacle, as well as a deliveryconduit (6). The storage volume of the receptacle is essentially largerthan the volume of the toner cartridge (2). The feeding device (5) ismechanical and may consist of a conveying screw which is, for example,driven by a motor. By using a conveying screw a more continuous and evenfeeding of toner into the toner cartridge (2) is achieved.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the toner receptacle (4)can, when it needs to be refilled with new toner, easily be replacedwith another new similar one which is connected to the feeding device.

In FIG. 3 another embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein aPET-bottle is used to refill the receptacle (4). It is possible that onemay get money in return for bottles at the supplier, and that anexchange for a filled bottle can be done by the supplier. The bottle issuitably made by a protective foil on the bottle neck, which is brokennot until the bottle is connected to the receptacle. A PET-bottlecontains considerably more than the existing toner cartridges in theapparatuses. This also leads to a lower price per litre toner.

FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment of the invention, where in a largerreceptacle, for example a drum of approximately five litres, is used tofill the receptacle (4) via a hose to the receptacle. When one wishes torefill the receptacle (4) toner is poured from the drum and further intothe receptacle.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention to refill powder intothe receptacle. A suitably foiled carton with the same shape as theinterior of the receptacle is filled with toner and placed inside thereceptacle. Alternatively, the foil can be substituted by a separateinner bag inside the carton.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 comprises a receptacle (4) for toner. Thereceptacle is arranged to a feeding device (5) and a delivery conduit(6). The delivery conduit (6) is connected to a toner container/tonercartridge (not shown) in a manifold apparatus such as a copying machineor a larger printer.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6 the feeding device (5) comprises apiston (20) and a piston rod (22) arranged for reciprocating motion byan operating device (24). The design of the piston (20) mainlycorresponds to the shape of the delivery conduit (6). A passage (26) isarranged between the toner receptacle (4) and the delivery conduit (6),so that toner material continuously can be supplied to the deliveryconduit (6) by way of gravity. In use, the feeding device (5) feedstoner into the delivery conduit (6) by the reciprocating movement,wherein toner powder falls down through the passage to the deliveryconduit (6) at the returning movement.

FIG. 7 shows another alternative feeding device (5) where it isconstituted by a conveyer belt (30) arranged around two rolls or wheelsor other operating and control elements for an operating belt, whereonly the rear wheel (32) is shown. The front wheel is arranged in thedelivery conduit (6) in the vicinity of the toner cartridge (2). Therear wheel is arranged to a suitable operating device (not shown)capable of rotating the wheel. The conveyer belt (30) can be made of forexample rubber, plastics and may be reinforced to minimise stretching ofthe belt (30). It can further be arranged with elevations, such astransversal strips to facilitate the feeding of toner material from thereceptacle (4) to the toner cartridge (2).

FIG. 8 shows yet another alternative of feeding device (5) where this isprovided by a plate (40) or the like extending from the passage (26) tothe toner cartridge. The plate (40) is suspended on elastic resilientdevices (42), so that it is vertically and horizontally moveable. Anoperating device (44) is connected to the plate (40) capable ofachieving an oscillating movement of the plate (40) with a certainfrequency. The operating device (44) can for example be an electricmotor with an oval wheel bearing on a plate. In this way, toner materialfalling through the opening (24) can be “shaken” up to the tonercartridge (2).

A communication path is created in a suitable way, for example a holemay be drilled through the exterior housing of the apparatus (1) andfurther through the toner cartridge (2). The delivery conduit (6) of thedevice is connected to the apparatus and thereby provides a closedcommunication between the receptacle (4) and the toner cartridge (2).Each time the toner level in the cartridge (2) is so low thatreplenishing of toner is desirable, the feeding mechanism (5) isactivated by for example an activating device/switch starting the motorof the feeding mechanism. Accordingly, the very same toner cartridge inthe apparatus is used the whole time, and is replenished from thereceptacle.

Suitably, the toner cartridges (2) are designed with possibilities ofconnection for the delivery conduit (6) even at the time ofmanufacturing of these cartridges, to simplify the connection of thedevice according to the invention to the manifold apparatus. Theconnection can be a screw tap with a removable lid, to which tap thedelivery conduit can be connected after the lid has been removed, or athreaded sleeve to which the end of the delivery conduit is threaded orsimilar types of connections. Furthermore, the manifold apparatus can,when manufactured, be adapted so that the device according to theinvention can be held inside the apparatus, where it makes part as anintegrated detail of the manifold apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment, the activating device is connected to atimer, which time interval is adapted to fill the cartridge (2) toapproximately 80% to minimise the risk for overfilling the cartridge(2). The timer is preferably set at installation and should not beaccessible for users.

If the apparatus (1) is provided with an indicator for low toner level,it may be connected to the feeding device (5). The device is suitablylocated in the vicinity of the manifold apparatus and preferably outsidethe apparatus.

The toner transporting parts of the system are preferably made of alight non-permeable material.

The device according to the invention can easily be assembled to almostall apparatuses with a toner cartridge. Toner particles flying about inthe air and in the apparatus are avoided by this mechanical feeding.

The embodiments shown in the drawings and performed in the descriptionshould not be considered limiting, but only as example.

1. Device for feeding of toner powder to a manifold apparatus (1)comprising at least one toner container (2), which device (3) comprisesat least one receptacle (4) for toner powder, a feeding device (5) and adelivery conduit (6) in communication with the receptacle (4),characterized in that the feeding device (5) is mechanical and that thedelivery conduit (6) is arranged with a non-apparatus adapted connectionmeans and intended to be connected to the toner container (2) of themanifold apparatus (1), which toner container (2) is of optional design.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the deliveryconduit (6) is intended to be connected to a communication path into thetoner container (2), which communication path is opened at an initialconnection of the device to the manifold apparatus (1).
 3. Deviceaccording to claim 1 characterized in that the feeding device (5)comprises a timer function intended to control the feeding device. 4.Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the feeding device (5)is provided by a conveying screw.
 5. Device according to claim 1,characterized in that the feeding device (5) is a piston assembly (20,22) arranged for reciprocating motion for feeding of toner powder to thetoner container (2).
 6. Device according to claim 1, characterized inthat the feeding device (5) is a conveyor belt (30) rotatable around atleast two rollers (32), an operating device capable of rotating the beltfor feeding of toner powder to the toner container (2).
 7. Deviceaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the feeding device (5) is avibrating device (40, 42, 44) capable of feeding toner powder to thetoner container (2) by an oscillating movement.
 8. Device according toclaim 1 characterized in that the receptacle (4) is exchangeable. 9.Device according to claim 1 characterized in that an exchangeablePET-bottle is connected to the receptacle (4) for refilling of thereceptacle.
 10. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that anexchangeable foiled carton is placed in the receptacle (4) for refillingof the receptacle.
 11. Device according to claim 1 characterized in thatthe receptacle (4) is arranged outside the manifold apparatus (1). 12.Method for feeding of toner powder from a device (3) to a manifoldapparatus (1) comprising at least one toner container (2), which device(3) comprises at least one receptacle (4) for toner powder, a feedingdevice (5) and a delivery conduit (6) in communication with thereceptacle, characterized in that the delivery conduit (6), which isarranged with a non-apparatus adapted connection means, is connected toa communication path into the toner container (2), which communicationpath is opened in connection with an initial connection of the device(3) to the manifold apparatus (1).
 13. Toner container designed withdevices for connection of a device according to claim 1.